Tag: TGIF

Friday JohnKu – AKA – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today’s good news is about an endangered species in Scotland.

This story appeared on the Good News Network and is duplicated here in its entirety.

A man who found a tiny kitten buried in snow thought it was a lost cat—only to find it was one of the most endangered mammals in Europe.

SWNS

32-year-old chef Pete MacNab was out for a walk in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park with his baby son and a friend.

They spotted a group of sheep circling something. As they drew closer, the animals scattered, revealing a tiny tabby kitten lying in the snow in rural Dava Way.

SWNS

The feline was unable to get on its feet. It looked freezing and its coat was all matted with snow. Not wanting to leave the creature in difficulty, Pete’s friend, Piotr, carried it the three miles back to town. He noted its claws were like “miniature razors,” and the pair joked that the little creature must be a Scottish wildcat: a rare species known to live in the Highlands.

After it was left at the vets on Wednesday, Pete began posting on local Facebook groups but no owner came forward.

Piotr and his partner began planning to get a cat bed and re-home the kitten—which they’d named Huntleigh.

But, the following day, the vet confirmed a specialist had in fact identified the wee tabby as a Scottish wildcat.

There are only around 100 to 300 of the species left. The only wild member of the cat family in the UK, it’s also one of the most endangered mammals in Europe.

Because of their bond with the kitty, Peter and Piotr have since begun a fundraiser to raise money for a charity helping other wildcats—which has raised more than £5,000 ($6,800) so far.

SWNS

Peter’s now been contacted by the Royal Zoological Society, which is part of the breeding program, to say the campaign has happily boosted their fundraising, too.

If you’d like to donate to the GoFundMe these friends have started on behalf of Huntleigh, just head to this link.

The Good News here is money is being raised as a result of finding and rescuing one little kitten that will go to help restore the endangered species.

Today’s JohnKu talks about accidental discovery that leads to great things. I hope you have a great weekend.

Chance by John W. Howell © 2022

A small kitten found,

Unravels a mystery. . .

That saves a species.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

We have two good news stories today.

The first is about saving turtles with a twist.

From the Port Aransas South Jetty of December 22

This photo shows folks transferring cold-stunned sea turtles from an airplane to waiting vehicles in Corpus Christi, Texas. (A still from South Jetty staff video © 2021 by Lee Harrison.)
Thirty-two cold-stunned sea turtles were flown in for treatment at facilities, including the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) in Port Aransas, Texas.
All of the turtles are juvenile Kemp’s ridleys, an endangered species, rescued after they were found in distress in the area of Cape Cod, in coastal Massachusetts.
Eleven were being transported to the ARK, according to Lee Harrison, president of the non-profit Friends of the ARK organization. (Harrison also is a South Jetty staff photographer.)
The rest went to the Texas Sealife Center and the Texas State Aquarium for rehabilitation.
Sea turtles are cold-blooded reptiles that require warm temperatures to stay alive.
When the water temperatures dip below 50 degrees, sea turtles can suffer from decreased heart rate and circulation.
Lethargy can be followed by shock, pneumonia, and possibly death.
It is good that Texas could help out and good that there is an organization that flies turtles to points of rescue.
And now a relaxing story from the North.
Photo courtesy of Aurora Borealis Observatory

As winter begins to settle across the Northern Hemisphere, webcams in wild places have been picking up some startling sights.

Pictured is a reindeer in a snowy birch forest. The aurora pulses overhead in swirls of iridescent light as it grazes. It’s beautiful, a truly relaxing sight.

Today’s JohnKu talks about the new year. I hope you have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve.

2022 by John W. Howell © 2021

We hope it’s better,

Than the mess 2021 . . .

Let us make it so.

* * *

There is an issue leftover from yesterday’s post. So to Twiggy and Lucy. Yes, Dad did the leaves.

Here’s the proof. (photo was taken at 11:57 AM Central time December 30, 2021)

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Two widowed penguins seemingly comfort one another as they gaze upon Melbourne’s lights. St Kilda, Australia. Tobias Baumgaertner, Finalist Community Choice Award

An excerpt of a story by By Margherita Cole on December 29, 2020, in My Modern Met. For the whole story, click on Margherita’s name.

In 2019, photographer Tobias Baumgaertner snapped a romantic shot of two widowed penguins overlooking a pier in Melbourne, Australia. He shared the photograph on his Instagram during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to help lift people’s spirits, and it quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes, comments, and shares. So, it’s only fitting that Baumgaertner’s photo, nominated for the Community Choice Award in the 2020 Ocean Photography Awards, won the title by popular vote.

“I posted this image of these two Fairy penguins a little more than half a year ago, and since then it has circled the globe, it has been seen by millions, and I have received thousands of messages and comments of how these two little guys have touched and mended broken hearts, brought joy, hope, and love into your lives,” Baumgaertner said on his Instagram. “It has become a symbol of togetherness and love. Times are still not easy for many of us, [so] I repeat what I wrote back then. During times like this, the truly lucky ones are those that can be with the person/people they love most.”

The German wildlife photographer spent three nights with the Fairy penguin colony in St. Kilda in hopes of attaining the perfect picture. Although the conditions were difficult, and he wasn’t able to use any lights, his patience finally paid off when he captured two penguins comforting each other in front of the pier. “A volunteer approached me and told me that the white one was an elderly lady who had lost her partner and apparently so did the younger male to the left,” Baumgaertner wrote. “Since then, they meet regularly, comforting each other and standing together for hours watching the dancing lights of the nearby city.”

Today’s JohnKu talks about Christmas Eve. A very Merry Christmas to all who celebrate.

Christmas Eve by John W. Howell.

Tis the day before,

We celebrate Christ’s birthday . . .

Peace on Earth to All.

Friday – JohnKu – AKA – TGIF Fri-Yay Good News

~ John W. Howell ~ 102 Comments
Photo courtesy of SWNS

Here is a story from the Good News Network. Retired couple Avril Rowlands, 75, and her husband Christopher, 76, from Inkberrow, Worcestershire, have decorated their giant Christmas tree, which they planted as a sapling more than 40 years ago. This vast 60ft Christmas tree lights up an entire neighborhood over 40 years after being planted as a sapling. Avril Rowlands and her husband Christopher stuck the 6ft fir in their front garden after enjoying their first Christmas at their new home in 1978. The tree purchased for £6 from a local garden center now towers above their four-bedroom detached property, and the couple hired a cherry picker to decorate it with more than 1,000 lights.

Photo courtesy of SWNS

They planted the 6-foot tree in the front garden and took a photograph to commemorate the occasion.

The tree took root and thrived.

Today it towers, 43 years later, over the village of Inkberrow, Worcs.

With its 17th-century pub that inspired The Bull in Radio 4’s The Archers, the village is one of the darkest places in the UK as one of the only towns without any street lights.

The Little Tree That Could, 1979 – SWNS

But last week, its 2,000 residents turned out to see the switching-on ceremony, which lit up the giant tree that can be seen from miles around.

SWNS

“The switching on of the lights has become quite a village tradition,” said Avril. “A lot of people in the village say that it’s the start of their Christmas.”

This year was quite remarkable because last year, the Rowlands had to do the switch-on by themselves due to Covid restrictions.

“We had fireworks, too, this year, plus a friend who brought down a trailer that had Christmas music on.”

The tree has grown so big that a cherry picker is needed to help the couple decorate it with 3,000 lights ahead of the big unveiling.

“It’s been wonderful to see so many people enjoy the lights this year,” said the 75-year-old retired TV writer.

The Rolands – SWNS

And, since the tree is getting more and more attention, they decided to ask people to donate to a Cancer Research charity online in memory of a close friend who died this year.

The couple says they are still stunned by the size of the tree, which grows more than a foot each year: “We had no idea just how big it would grow. It’s absolutely huge now and towers over our house.”

Drone aerial view of the giant Christmas tree in 2019 –SWNS

Avril swooned, “We even get cards addressed to the tree, which is quite sweet.” Good news indeed

Today’s JohnKu talks about the holiday spirit. I hope you all have a terrific week.

The Holiday by John W. Howell © 2021

Is the spirit real?

It seems to be growing strong . . .

Could be peace on Earth,

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments
By Sara Hysong-Shimazu / Pacific Whale Watch Association

According to the Good News Network, a record number of 21 calves have been recorded off the coasts of Washington State and British Columbia this season, marking a significant rebound for a species endangered just 25 years ago when zero Humpbacks were counted. In addition, this year, 500 Humpback whales were observed.

According to Mark Malleson of the Center for Whale Research, that is the highest annual number of calves on record so far for the region and is near twice as many as were reported last year, when 11 calves were documented.

“2021 has been a banner year for female humpbacks coming into the Salish Sea with new calves,” says Wendi Robinson, a naturalist with Puget Sound Express. “Calves only travel with mom for a year or so, and then they’re on their own. Once they’re familiar with our waters, they will often return year after year to feed.”

As to the cause of this year’s baby boom, Erin Gless, Executive Director of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, can only speculate.

“We’re not sure why there were so many calves this year,” she says. “It’s possible the last two years had an abundance of food for the whales.”

“25 years ago, here off of inland B.C. waters, we had zero humpback whales, so this is a new phenomenon in our waters … they’ve made up for lost time. We are seeing lots and lots of whales, which is super exciting.”

Humpbacks have also bounced back in the South Atlantic. After the population had diminished to only 450 whales, 2019 research showed to 25,000—an estimate now close to pre-whaling numbers.

Today’s JohnKu talks about nature’s strength. I hope you have a super weekend.

Nature by John W. Howell © 2021

Left alone awhile,

Nature has the way to fix . . .

Mistakes of mankind.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri Yay Good News

~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

As many folks take to the airways this holiday, you can bet some will get a little overwhelmed, especially the kids. For those traveling through or to Denver, the good news is there is help.

More than 100 dogs (one cat) make up the Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) at Denver International Airport. It’s the most extensive airport therapy animal program in the country and is entirely volunteers. The dogs, cat, and their volunteers walk around the airport in four-hour shifts, dispensing cuddles for anxious travelers (or anyone who wants to give a belly rub). While the program was suspended from March 2020 until May 2021, these days, they’re back patrolling the terminals, looking for humans who could use some stress relief.

Let’s meet some of the stress relievers. All photos courtesy of CATS

Here is Jackson the Goldendoodle. He likes dental treats and swimming.

Meet Blue. His favorite treat is Moist and Meaty, and his favorite activity is playing with his sister Amelia

.

Toby’s favorite treat is Bacon (you go, Toby). His favorite activity is hiking in the mountains.

Xeli’s favorite treat is catnip, and her favorite activity is making friends.

Matilda’s favorite treat is salmon, and being hugged is her favorite activity.

These are just five of the 100 at the airport this weekend. What good news indeed. Today’s JohnKu talks about help in times of need. I hope you all have a super weekend.

Caring by John W. Howell

When stress has you down,

No matter where it occurs . . .

An animal helps.

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF Friyay Good News

~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

It is Friday again, which some of us believe to be Saturday eve. However, we all know Saturday represents an element of freedom, so we are happy to see you Friday.

Today’s good news stories are about humans and bees.

Story one is about the kindness of a Billings Montana Firefighter. Take a look at this photo.

Photo courtesy of Allie Marie Schmalz

Yes, that is Firefighter Ryan Benton reading a story to a little girl. The girl and family were involved in a car accident, so the firefighter took her to the side of the road and read her a story. This brought her mind off the trauma while he family dealt with the situation. It is the policy for the Billings fire crews to carry stuffed animals and books for such an occasion. Yet the goodness here is Ryan Benton saw a need and stepped in to help a small child without a moment of hesitation.

Our second story is about discovering honey bees in the UK that could mean the return of a subspecies there.

Photo courtesy of Filipe Salbany

800,000 native honeybees, which some thought extinct, were found in ancient oak woodland at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England. Experts said they could be the last remaining descendants of the British isle’s original forest honeybee populations. Since these bees are thriving, it is thought that this is an excellent second chance for the subspecies.

A bee-keeping veteran with more than 40 years of experience, Filipe Salbany found 50 separate nests in the estate’s forest. The grounds have had no gardening activity, and the property isn’t open to the public, so this has been a ‘rewilding’ area. The good news is the bees seem to be immune to the varroa mite—a big killer of bees.

Today’s JohnKu talks about those news items that make us feel good. I hope you have a delightful weekend.

The news by John W. Howell © 2021

The stories we hear,

And read, make us happy when  . . .

We can’t help smiling.

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF – Friyay Good News

~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

It is Friday again, and time to prepare ourselves for the weekend. What better way than to have some good news to get us in the mood for fun.

Our first story is about a boy who cares.

Photo courtesy of the ASPCA

Evan Bisnauth lives in the Bronx with a primary passion for helping socialize adoptable dogs by reading to them regularly.

His favorite story to read to the dogs is “Belly Rubbins for Bubbins,” written by Jason Kraus.

Evan says, “The story is about a dog placed into the shelter and got adopted. I like reading that to the dogs because when I’m done reading the book, I’m like, ‘You will get adopted. Now I have hope for you’.”

The ASPCA announced the recipients of the 2021 Humane Awards, an event to honor people and pets from across the nation who have made outstanding contributions to animal welfare. Evan was named Kid of the Year. The good news here is even the smallest acts of kindness have significant results.

Our second story is about an 80-year-old guy with grit.

Photo courtesy of Norman Ruff / Photo: Ontario Provincial Police

Norman Ruff lives in a cottage near Port Carling in Muskoka, Ontario. Norman, an 80-year-old, and his wife Lois were awakened by a Black bear breaking through the kitchen window. The bear spotted Norman and stood up, and roared.

There was a disagreement about house ownership, and Norman punched the bear several times in the nose. The bear, not content to be bullied, slapped Norman several times and grabbed his hand in his mouth.

Finally, Norman managed to open the front door, and the bear eventually found his way out.

Norman was taken to the hospital in Bracebridge, where he became a celebrity among the staff for fighting a bear with his fists. The bear did not require medical attention.

On October 26, 2021, Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police detachment commander Inspector Burton and Superintendent Houliston presented Norman with an award for bravery. There are no reports on the bear receiving an award as well. The good news here is both the bear and the man lived to meet again.

Today’s John Ku talks about kindness. I hope you have a great weekend.

Kindness is a gift,

That if shared unselfishly . . .

Will come back bigger.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF and Good News Friyay

~ John W. Howell ~ 92 Comments

It is Friday again, and we are so grateful that we didn’t miss it. Today is also Good News Friyay, and we have two stories.

The first story is about the preliminary test of the Boyan Slat ‘Jenny’ Ocean clean-up system.

Photo courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup

Boyan Slat’s team removed 20,000 pounds of plastic debris from one of the significant “plastic islands” in the Pacific on the first trial of his System 002 nicknamed “Jenny.” It is a system where two boats pull a  u-shaped collection device. (pictured) “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch can now be cleaned,” announced Dutch entrepreneur Boyan Slat, the wunderkind inventor who’s spent a decade inventing systems for waterborne litter collection. This means the 1.4 trillion pieces of plastic down to 1mm in size can be removed from the oceans by 2040.

Photo courtesy of the Ocean Cleanup

A shot of the plastic picked up. See any of your stuff in there?

Our second story is just plain good news for one person Randy Bachman of The Guess Who and Bauchman Turner Overdrive. Of course, we can all feel good about one guy who heard the story of Randy having his guitar stolen out of his hotel room and searched the world till he found it.

Photo courtesy of Randy Bachman

William Long is a fan of Bachman’s and he heard that Randy had worked long and hard as a kid to buy the $400.00 1957 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins model in Western Orange. The guitar was stolen in 1976 and Long did some internet work and found it in Tokoyo Japan. Long reached out to Bachman who in turn had his Japanese daughter-in-law contact the current owner. The owner was more than pleased to return the guitar to Bachman if a replacement could be found. Bachman went to work and found one that was made at the same time on the same bench. This was out of the 40 Gretsch’s known to exist. An exchange is being arranged. The good news of this story is someone cared enough to look for the guitar and another cared enough to return it to it’s original owner.

Today’s JohnKu talks about helping each other. I hope you have a grand weekend.

Help by John W. Howell © 2021

When we see someone,

Who needs help out of trouble. . .

Do we lend a hand?

 

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA TGIF – Good News

~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

Hey, Friday, welcome back. It is so good to see you. We all could use a weekend, and I think you arrived just in time.

Today’s good news includes an animal story and an octogenarian story. Since I’m also an octogenarian, let’s do the animal story first, so at least we know we’ll get that one covered.

This is the story of a bull Elk and a couple of wildlife officers who cared.

About two years ago, a bull elk was spotted on a trail camera sporting a tire around its neck. It was evident that the tire posed no threat to the animal’s health, but since it could become entangled in the brush, it was decided to try and remove it. Four attempts were made over the period, and finally, last Saturday, officers Dawson Swanson and Scott Murdoch were successful in cornering the animal and removing the tire. Here is a video of the elk which led the officers to its location.

The other good news story is about an 81-year-old music teacher who is suffering from dementia. Paul Harvey had taught music for 20 years, and before that, he was a composer and classical pianist.  Five years ago, Paul began living in a memory care facility. Last September, he composed a two-minute piece using just four notes-F natural, A, D, and B natural. His son Nick posted Paul playing the composition on Twitter. The post went viral. Paul’s piece was recorded by the BBC Philharmonic orchestra and sold as a singe. The proceeds went to Alzheimer’s Society and Music for Dementia, which campaigns for music access for people with dementia.

Here is Paul playing his Four Notes piece. For the BBC Breakfast show. The first Twitter post by Nick Harvey will not play. Just skip to the second.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1320621712753524736

Paul was invited to conduct the BBC Philharmonic orchestra playing his Four Notes and an earlier composition named Where’s the Sunshine to mark the first anniversary of the recording. Here is a video with the whole story about Paul. His son reports that he is back with them while playing the piano.

Today’s JohnKu talks about hope and caring. I wish you all a beautiful weekend.

Four Lettered Words

A four-lettered word,

Can be more than disgusting . . .

Like hope and care can.